The Game of Thrones family tree is one of the most complex and interesting parts of the story. With many noble houses, each with its own characters, history, and alliances, understanding how these families are connected can be confusing. This article will break down the Game of Thrones family tree, explaining the key houses, important family members, and how they relate to each other.
What is the Game of Thrones Family Tree?
In the world of Game of Thrones, families or “houses” rule different regions of the Seven Kingdoms. Each house has its own history, values, and connections. The family tree of Game of Thrones shows how these different houses are related to each other by blood, marriage, and alliance. Let’s take a look at the key houses and their family members.
Key Houses in the Game of Thrones Family Tree
Here are some of the most important families (or houses) in Game of Thrones and their roles:
1. House Stark – The North
House Stark rules the North and is known for their loyalty, honor, and strong sense of family. Their ancestral seat is Winterfell.
- Important Members:
- Eddard (Ned) Stark – Lord of Winterfell and father to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon.
- Catelyn Stark – Ned’s wife, originally from House Tully.
- Jon Snow – Ned’s illegitimate son (raised as a Stark, but his true parentage is revealed later).
- Robb Stark – The eldest Stark son, King in the North.
- Sansa Stark – The eldest Stark daughter, who plays an important political role in the series.
- Arya Stark – Known for her adventurous spirit and sword-fighting skills.
- Bran Stark – The youngest Stark son who becomes the Three-Eyed Raven.
- Rickon Stark – The youngest Stark child, who is seen less in the show.
2. House Lannister – The Westerlands
House Lannister is one of the richest and most powerful families in the Seven Kingdoms. They control the Westerlands and have a strong influence on the throne.
- Important Members:
- Tywin Lannister – The head of House Lannister and father to Jaime, Cersei, and Tyrion.
- Jaime Lannister – Known as the Kingslayer, he is Tywin’s eldest son.
- Cersei Lannister – Queen and twin sister to Jaime, she is the mother of Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen.
- Tyrion Lannister – The youngest son, known for his intelligence and wit.
3. House Targaryen – The Dragonlords
House Targaryen was once the ruling family of all of Westeros, before they were overthrown in Robert’s Rebellion. They are famous for their dragons and Valyrian heritage.
- Important Members:
- Aerys II Targaryen – The Mad King, who was overthrown during Robert’s Rebellion.
- Viserys Targaryen – Aerys’ son, who seeks to reclaim the throne.
- Daenerys Targaryen – Viserys’ sister, who becomes the Mother of Dragons and a major claimant to the Iron Throne.
- Jon Snow – Later revealed to be a Targaryen, making him a true heir to the Iron Throne.
4. House Baratheon – The Stormlands
House Baratheon is the family that claimed the throne after Robert’s Rebellion, overthrowing the Targaryens. Their seat is Storm’s End.
- Important Members:
- Robert Baratheon – King of Westeros at the beginning of the story.
- Stannis Baratheon – Robert’s younger brother, who claims the throne after Robert’s death.
- Renly Baratheon – Robert’s youngest brother, who also tries to claim the throne.
5. House Tyrell – The Reach
House Tyrell controls the Reach and is known for its rich farmland and strong military. They are one of the wealthiest families in Westeros.
- Important Members:
- Mace Tyrell – The head of House Tyrell.
- Margaery Tyrell – Mace’s daughter, who marries several kings, including Joffrey Baratheon and Tommen Baratheon.
Game of Thrones Family Tree Chart
Here is a simplified Game of Thrones family tree showing the relationships among some of the major families:
| House Stark | House Lannister | House Targaryen |
|---|---|---|
| Eddard Stark (Lord) | Tywin Lannister (Lord) | Aerys II Targaryen (Mad King) |
| Catelyn Stark (Wife) | Jaime Lannister (Son) | Viserys Targaryen (Brother) |
| Robb Stark (Son) | Cersei Lannister (Daughter) | Daenerys Targaryen (Sister) |
| Sansa Stark (Daughter) | Tyrion Lannister (Son) | Jon Snow (Revealed Son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen) |
Major Family Relationships in Game of Thrones
Understanding the connections between characters is crucial to following the story in Game of Thrones. Here are a few key relationships:
- Ned Stark is the father of Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon Stark. He is also the half-brother of Benjen Stark and the father-figure to Jon Snow.
- Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister are twins, and both are children of Tywin Lannister. They share a secret incestuous relationship.
- Daenerys Targaryen is the sister of Viserys Targaryen, both children of the Mad King. She later becomes a major contender for the Iron Throne.
- Jon Snow is the son of Lyanna Stark (Ned Stark’s sister) and Rhaegar Targaryen, making him a true heir to the Iron Throne.
Key Points to Remember About the Family Tree
- The Starks and Lannisters are bitter rivals. The Lannisters want power, while the Starks represent the honor of the North.
- Daenerys Targaryen has dragons, a powerful asset in her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne.
- Jon Snow’s true heritage is revealed later, changing the entire power structure of Westeros.
- House Baratheon and House Tyrell have important roles in the early battles for the throne.
FAQs
House Lannister is often considered the most powerful family in terms of wealth, influence, and political power, particularly during the early seasons. However, the Targaryens hold significant power with their dragons, and the Starks are respected for their honor and leadership.
Jon Snow (who is later revealed to be Aegon Targaryen) is the son of Lyanna Stark (Ned Stark’s sister) and Rhaegar Targaryen (the crown prince of Westeros). This makes Jon Snow a Stark by name and a Targaryen by blood.
By the end of the series, Sansa Stark becomes the Queen in the North, ruling over an independent Northern Kingdom. Arya Stark embarks on her journey to explore what lies west of Westeros, and Bran Stark is crowned King of Westeros.
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones family tree is full of complex relationships, politics, and power struggles. By understanding the connections between the major houses, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story’s plot. Each family brings its own unique characters and history to the world of Westeros, making it one of the most engaging aspects of the series.